Panel-wall building construction



June 20, 1944 A. HENDERSON 2,351,856

PANEL-WALL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed 001 4, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 25 a T! {r1 "=1 R '1: :5 15 17. H ELI: 56

INVENTOR 1 Albert Hitfndcrson June 20; 1944. A HENDERSON 2,351,856

. PANEL-WALL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct. 4, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 20, 1944. A. HENDERSON.

PANEL-WALL BUILDING CONSTRUCTI ON Filed Oct. 4, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 M i 1%". .n-

1 18" :E'IGJQ IN VENTOR I Alb rzHwzderson the panel;

Patented June 20, 1944 Albert Henderson, Edgewood, Pa.,'asslgnor to William P. Witherow, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Application October- 4, 1941, Serial No. 413,627

2 Claims.

This invention relates to a building construction and, in particular, to a building composed of precast, standard units composed of fireresisting material such as concrete, which can ,be erected rapidly, at a low cost, and salvaged to a very large extent when taken down. I

Various proposals have been made heretofore for the construction of buildings from precast, standard units but, so far as I am aware, such proposals have not met with very extensive commercial acceptance. It.is the principal object of my invention, therefore, to improve on standard-unit building constructions by providing a structure which is entirely practical from the standpoint of erection and thoroughly sound from the standpoint of structural design.

' In the preferred embodiment of the invention,

I provide columns. each having a base integral therewith or attached thereto and adapted to be secured to a foundation or footing. Between adjacent columns -I place standard wall panels of novel design, with preformed, fireproof, sealing strips between the joints thereof. The top panel of the wall forms thecoping and is secured to the columns, thereby clamping the lower-wall panels in position, and'at the same time permitting slight movement thereof between adjacent columns -to accommodate expansion and contraction'resulting from temperature changes.

' the building taken substantially along the line of 11-11 of'Figure 1;

vFigure a'ik is a side elevation of the precast panel or'building twhlch'I employ in" the construc- "tion of my invention;

Figure 4 isfa transverse section through the panel taken substantially along line of" V Figure .5.is a, view showing the upper edge of i ure 6 is a sideelevation showing a portion of Figure 1 showing the top of a column and the coping wall to a large scale;

Figure 7 is a partial plan view of a corner of the building;

Figure 8 is a transverse section through a column taken substantially along the line of VIII-VIII of Figure 6;

v Figure 9 is a similar view showing a corner column;

Figure 10 is a partial section taken along line X-X of Figure 1;

. Figure 11 is a sectional view showing the wallpanel joint of Figure 2 tea large scale;

Figure 12 is aside elevation to a reduced scaleshowing a column suitedfor use inside a building; Figure 13 is a similar view showinga column suited for use alongthe outside walls; a

, Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 8 showing a modified construction; I

Figure 15 is aview similar to Figure lshowing a modified form of construction utilizing precast wall panels secured to steel columns;

Figure 16 is apartial sectional view taken along the line of XVIXVI of Figure 15; I

Figure 17 is a plan view showing the upper edge of a modified form of wall panel used in the construction illustrated in Figures 15 and 16; Figure 18 is an end view of the modified wall p'anel;

Figure 19 is a transverse sectional view taken along line XIXXI X' of Figure 17;. Figure 20 is a partial sectional view through a corner column showingln plan the upper edges of wall panels secured thereto;

Figure 21 is a partial section through a window, taken along line XXI-XXI of Figure 15;

Figure 22 is a partialseotion similar to Figure building indicated generally -at l0 comprises a plurality'of spaced columns ll resting ongindividual foundations .or.-,-footings1 .l2.-. Precast panel units or slabs I 3 .of reinforced concrete extend between, adjacent columns and form the outside wall'ofthe building. A :topicourseof generally similar uints l 4 forms the coping. Certain ofthe l3 serve as shown at I3a, while othersiserve-assills 13b, windowjambs l3 cfand door; lambs 13d. a

,n 1 l are; e .st 0. rei ior f s n Th co Crete, asfclearly shown; in 2, and BL Similar columns ll' are disposed inside the building. Precast girders ii. of reinforced concrete extend between the columns and rest thereon. Short lengths of pipe are inserted in the ends of the girders to receive tie-bars l1 embedded in the upper ends of the column II and ii. 'In the case of the columns ll, inwardly extendin brackets 18 are formed thereon to support the girders. The girders are secured to the columns by nuts threaded onto the projecting ends of the tie-bars 11, the girders being recessed as at I9 to receive the nuts. After the nuts are tightened the recesses are filled with grout.

The columns II and II have integral bases or bottom slabs 20 having holes at 2| therethrough adapted to receive anchor studs 22 embedded in the footings l2. Instead of the bases 20, the columns may have metal bottom plates secured thereto. The girders l5 carried by the columns support roof purlins 23 extending therebetween and the roof deck proper is formed by precast slabs 24 of reinforced concrete resting on the purlins. A waterproof layer 25 of asphalt or the like is laid over the deck. The coping units l4 are notched as at 25 to receive the upper edge of flashing which extends under the waterproof layer 25.

As shown in Figures 3 through 5, each panel unit l3 has its ends shaped as at 21 to fit in grooves 28 extending vertically on opposite faces of the columns II or adjacent faces of columns Ila which are the corner columns. The ends of the units l3 are provided during the manufacture thereof who. permanently attached, fireproof, joint-sealing strips 23 of asbestos or the like. A similar sealing strip 30 is applied to the top edge of each unit. These strips eliminate the mortaring of joints in the field. The top edge of each thereof to receive the tie bars. When the coping units have been placed, nuts 38 ar threaded on the tie bars, the coping units being recessed as at 39 to receive them. After the nuts have been tightened, the recesses are filled with mortar or grout. By this construction, the coping units firmly clamp the wall units therebelow in proper position. The weight of all units on the bases unit is shouldered or rabbeted as at 31 and the bottom edge is similarly shaped as at 32. In addition, the bottom edge of each unit has a groove 33 extending therealong.

Loops 34 of metal bar have their ends embedded in the upper portion of the units. These loops have two functions. They facilitate handling of the units during installation by a crane or the like. After installation, the projecting loops fit into pockets 35 formed in the lower edge of each, unit, thereby providing a keying eil'ect between adjacent units and affording ample resistance to horizontal shear.

In the case of the jamb units I30 and l3d, loops 34' are embedded in one end thereof while the other end is provided with a recess similar to that shown in 35 for cooperation with the loop of a sill unit. It will be understood that the building is erected by first placing the columns and then lowering the units l3 and the other units similar thereto into place with their ends fitting in the column grooves. The jamb units I30 and l3d have their longer sides shaped to fit in the column grooves instead of their ends as in the case of the remaining panel units. As each successive unit 13 is laid on the one below, the sealing strip 30 is deformed from its original condition as shown in Figure 4 and is immediately brought to the shape of the joint between adjacent units, thereby providing an eifective seal. If desired the sealing strips may terminate at the shoulder 3|, as shown at 30a in Figure 11, and the remainder of the joint pointed as at 30b although this is not necessary to make a weather-tight joint.

The columns II have tie bars 35 embedded in the upper ends thereof and the coping panel units 14 have pipe lengths 31 embedded in the ends or bottom plates of the columns tends to resist lateralforce against the columns. The wall units I3 also serve to maintain the proper spacing between the columns. If desired, the coping units I 4 used at the comer of the building may have grooves 40 adapted to receive sealing material therein.

Figure 10 illustrates the manner of mounting metal window sash in the building of my invention. As there illustrated, a sash 4| has a flanged frame 42. The flange on the frame fits over the shoulder 3| on the upper edge of the sill unit 13b. The shoulder prevents'inward flow of rain water. The flange on the upper portion of the frame fits into the groove 33 in the bottom of the lintel unit I311. The groove 33 is mortared after placing the sash, as indicated at 43, to secure it in position. The jamb units I30 have shoulders like that shown at 3| cooperating with the flange along the vertical sides of the sash frame.

Figure 13 shows a column 44 similar to the column H, adapted for a building more than one v story high.

Figure 14 shows a modified form of construction in which columns 45-have hook bars 46 embedded therein with one end projecting therefrom. The projecting ends of the hook bars 46 fit in recesses 41 formed in the upper edges and adjacent the ends of wall panels or precast slabs 48. These slabs are similar to the panels 13 except for the provisions for attaching them to the column 45. The ends of the slabs 48 are of tongue and groove conformation as shown at 43. A' sealing strip 50 is bondedto one end of each slab, either the end having the tongue or the end having the groove, during the manufacture of the-slab. When adjacent slabs are abutted end to end, this strip provides a weather-tight joint.

' Referring now to Figures 15 through 21, the wall construction there illustrated is composed of spaced steel columns 5| extending upwardly from individual foundations 5la, and .wall panels 52, 53 and 54 secured to the columns. The panels 53 of any desired character.

The panels 53 do not terminate at adjacent columns but extend therebeyond, as clearly shown in Figure 15, whereby the endsof the panels form the jambs for windows and doors such as illustrated at 58 and 30. The door opening 50 may be finished by suitable bucks 50a and a lintel 50b in addition to the sill 53. The panels 54 are generally similar to the panels 53 but are of such length that their ends lie opposite adjacent columns. The top course of panels 54 provide a coping as indicated at 54a. Girders 5| secured to the columns 5| support a roof deck 52 similar to that previously described.

With the exception of the differences pointed out, the panels 52, 53 and 54 are all generally similar and one of them will now be described in detail. With particular reference to Figures 17 through 19, each panel. comprises a precast slab of reinforced concrete, preferably having a core of thermal insulation such as Thermax board 63 having holes therein. The slab is formed by pouring concrete around the board 53 and a suitable reinforcing cage 64. Bearing plates 65 and sleeves 66 composed of short lengths of pipe are also embedded in the slab, each bearing plate and sleeve having bolt 61 extending therethrough. As shown, the sleeves 66 extend slightly beyond one face of the slab. This face is also provided with recesses adapted to receive vibration damping pads 68 of rubber or other suitable material.

The upper and lower edges of the panel 53 as well as the end edges thereof are of tongue and groove conformation. Sealing strips 69 are bonded toone side and one end of the panels on each side of the tongues projecting upwardly therefrom Loops 10 of metal bar similar to those shown at 36 in the panels l3 are embedded in the panel 53.

The wall panels 52, 53 and 55 are secured to the columns 5| by clips H and 12 placed on the bolts 67 and secured thereon by nuts. Figure -of the panel 16 provides a particularly desirable 20 shows a corner column and the manner in which these clips engage it. As there illustrated, a long bolt 57 is used in the wall panels adapted to engage the edges of the flanges of a corner column 50. The clips I2 are adapted to engage over the edge of a column flange while clips H are adapted to engage. the inner face of a column flange. The clips II are recessed as at Ha to receive the projecting ends of the sleeves 66. By this construction, a slight movement of the wall panels relative to the columns is permitted to accommodate the expansion contraction resulting from temperature changes. A groove 14 for sealing material such as grout is formed in the rear face of wall panels adapted to abut the ends of adjacent wall panels at the corner of the building, as shown at Figure 20.

The pads 68 are so positioned on the wall panels that they engage the outer faces of the flanges of the columns 5| and tend to damp any vibration that might otherwise be transmitted to the panels from the columns, for example, by the passage of a travelling crane along tracks supported by the columns.

Figure 21 illustrates the adaptability of the construction to the use of steel sash. As there illustrated a sash "l5 has the upper edge of its frame received in the bottom groove of a wall panel 54 serving as a lintel. The side edges of the sash frame are similarly received in the grooves at the ends of panels 53 which define the opening in which the sash is positioned. The sash is secured in position by mortar applied in the grooves. The bottom of the sash frame rests on the tongue of a wall panel 52 serving as a sill, The tongue of the. sill prevents inward flow of rain water in the same manner as the shoulder 3| on the panel l3.

Figure 22 illustrates a further modified form of wall panel 16 which has a T-shaped upper portion or head 11. The top and bottom edges of the panel 16 are of tongue and groove conformation. The panel 16 has the same provisions as the panel 53 for attachment to colunms 5|. The panels 15 are particularly suited to the lower course of the building wall, such as that formed by the panels 52, and the ends of the panel 16 are similarly notched to fit down over the column foundations. The T-shaped head 11 reinforcing bars of the panel 16 are bent at right angles at their lower ends so that the latter project outwardly beyond the face of the panel. The panels are then positioned so that the projecting ends of the reinforcing members, as shown at 18, are embedded in a floor slab 19 when the latter is poured insid the biulding. The panel 18 may have a channel extending along the lower edge and bonded thereto with its flanges in the sides of the panel, to protect it during shipment and handling. Panel 16 may also have ribs cast on a side to stifien it.

Figure 23 illustrates a modified means for anchoring wall panels to steel columns. As there shown hook bolts are embedded in panels as I with their ends projecting therefrom, adjacent the ends of the panels. Clim 82 cooperate with the bolts 80 to-secure the panels to a column 5i. While the panels B l are of the same type as i1=- lustrated at 58, it will be understood that the bolts 80 could also be used with panels 53.

'It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the invention is characterized by numerous advantages. In the first .place, a building constructed in accordance with the invention may be erected rapidly and at low cost and at the same time, it may be knocked down with.v

practically salvage. The wall panels are more or less fioatingly secured by their ends to adjacent columns, whereby expansion and contraction of the panels is permitted without displacing the columns. At the same time, the wall panels have their edges shaped to provide either a ship-lap or a tongue-and-groove joint which is weather-tight by virtue of the sealing strip applied during the manufacture of the panels.

These sealing strips bonded to the panels during manufacture absorb vibration and save the time and expense involved in mortaring joints in the fields. I make provision, nevertheless, as shown in Figure 11, for pointing the exterior .of the joints between wall panels if desired for appearance. The floating mounting of the wall panels on the columns also tends to prevent the transmission of vibration from the columns to'the wall panels. The wall panels are adapted to cooperate with steel sash which may easily be secured in place by mortaring the grooves receiving the edges of the sash .frame. The wall panels rest on the column bases and thereby aid in holding the columns against horizontal thrust tending to over-turn them.

Although I have illustrated and described only a preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understoodthat changes in the construction and arrangement ofparts disclosed may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Iclaim: I

1. A wall construction including spaced columns and superposed panels extending between the columns and secured thereto, said panels having'rabbeted top and bottom edges, said edges being lower at the outer side of the panels than at an intermediate point, thereby forming cooperating shoulders providing weather-tight joints between abutting panels, the wall having a window opening formed by the omission of at least a portion of a panel, the panels above and below said opening having the same cross section as the other panels in the wall, the lower rabbeted edge of the panel above said opening being thereby left exposed to serve as a lintel, and the upper rabbeted edge of the panel below the opening being likewise left exposed to provide a sill, and a sash having its upper edge seated on the shoulder 01' the lintel panel and its lower edge resting on the shoulder of the sill panel, and being thereby spaced above the level of the upper -edge of the sill panel at the outer side thereof,

said last-mentioned shoulder forming a barrier against the entrance of water.

2. In a building construction, a plurality of superposed precast wall panels of the same crossr 4 1 56 a p section, at least two of said panels being spaced apart vertically leaving a window opening therebetween, said panels having their upper and lower edges of tongue-and-groove conformation, and a metal sash in said opening resting on the tongue on the upper edge of the lower of said two panels, being thereby spaced above the general plane of the upper edge of the lower panel, said sash having its upper edge in the groove '10 in the lower edge of the upper of said two panels.

ALBERT HENDERSON. 

